Dom Howson
Sheffield Wednesday

CHRIS Lines has pledged to prove to Sheffield Wednesday boss Gary Megson he is worthy of a regular spot in his midfield engine room.

The former Bristol Rovers player has not started in the last two league matches against MK Dons and Yeovil Town, with Megson preferring David Prutton in the middle of the park.

In the post-match inquest following the Owls’ 3-0 defeat to Blackpool in their FA Cup fourth round replay at Hillsborough, Megson confirmed he plans on making multiple changes to the team for the clash at Exeter City.

It is expected Lines, Liam Palmer and Chris Sedgwick will drop out of the side, as Megson is likely to restore Prutton, Jose Semedo, John Bostock and Jermaine Johnson to midfield.

Nonetheless, Lines is determined to force his way back into the first-team fold and play a starring role in their push for promotion.

He said: “I have to keep working hard in training. I am not one to moan. At the end of the day, I was playing in League Two at the start of the season and now I am playing for a club with 25,000 fans every home game. To me, this is a massive step up and I’m happy at the fact I have played a lot of games this season but I want to play to week in week out. I will work hard in training and try when I get my chance on the pitch to get my shirt back.”

Asked if he did enough against Blackpool to stay in the team, the 26-year-old said: “It is hard to say because it is the manager’s decision. I respect what ever he does and what ever he says. I always listen to him and what his advice is and stuff. I went out there against Blackpool and it was a tough game to come into. I will always give 100 per cent and we will have to see if that is enough.”

Lines believes being dropped has made him a stronger person.

“One hundred per cent,” he said. “I have never liked being on the bench all my career and I’m similar to most players. As a youngster, I started out like that but in the last0 three to four seasons I have pretty much been a regular most seasons so now I’m back on the bench I am more determined to get back off it again.”